'However, other options are also described and debated in the consultation document.

'Patients, staff and members of the public are invited to have their say at a series of public meetings across the county, up until March 22.'

The meeting for Ellesmere Port & Neston PCT is on Tuesday, January 31, at 6pm at Willaston Memorial Hall, The Green, Willaston; and for Cheshire West PCT on Wednesday, February 15, at 6pm at The 1829 Building, Countess of Chester Health Park, Liverpool Road, Chester.

In addition, the PCTs will consider the proposals contained in the consultation document at board meetings on Wednesday February 22, at 9.30am, at Ellesmere Port & Neston PCT headquarters, 7-9 Civic Way, Ellesmere Port; and the next day at 9.30am at The 1829 Building. A number of options drawn up by Cheshire & Merseyside SHA - the organisation responsible for coordinating this process - will be presented at these meetings.